The Wave (2015)

Written by CinemaSerf on March 10, 2024

Based on what might be a real scenario, we find ourselves in a pretty Norwegian fjord town that might be in danger from a tsunami. How? Well, apparently there are millions of tons of rock precariously situated on the mountainside that are likely to eventually slide down into the water and create a monumental tidal wave. There are loads of early warning systems in place and that's lucky for geologist "Kristian" (Kristoffer Joner) and his family. His wife works in the local hotel and his children are all ready packed for their imminent move to Stavanger. The inevitable happens, and now it's a battle for survival as everyone in the town must get to higher ground else drown. Luckily there are no predatory sharks, this time, but it does rather shine a light on the effectiveness of nuclear shelters. Rather than just bomb them, just aim at a nearby lake and watch the water flood the ventilation shafts! Can they stay alive? The premiss is quite interesting, but the execution is pretty standard fayre with a lot of dialogue and some scenes of jeopardy that aren't really especially innovative - though the visual effects are quite well presented towards the conclusion. It's hardly a film you'll never remember but it passes the time OK.